Molecular and Cellular Biology

The Johns Hopkins Biology Department is home to 25 research laboratories investigating a wide range of biological problems, with the unifying goal of obtaining explanations or models in quantitative and molecular detail. As one of the first biology departments in the United States, it has a long history dating back to the inception of Johns Hopkins University in 1876.

Biology faculty train students and researchers pursuing Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral degrees, as well as postdoctorals and visiting scientists. In addition to the BA in biology, the department offers a BS in molecular and cellular biology, a five-year combined BA or BS/MS program, and a PhD program.

The department emphasizes molecular, cellular, and developmental biology, biochemistry, and biophysics. Department members use the Integrated Imaging Center, the BioNMR center, the X-ray crystallography facility, and many other university resources to pursue their research and teaching objectives.

The Department of Biology plays a prominent role in training and educating undergraduates, graduate students, postdoctoral trainees, and visiting scientists to prepare them for the next steps in their careers.

• Four core courses and four 600- and 700-level electives.
• At least one year of laboratory teaching during the period of graduate residence.
• A high level of achievement in a comprehensive written proposal and oral examination covering proficiency in the field of the student’s research interest and various areas of biology and related fields.
• A dissertation based on a program of independent research, a public seminar followed by an oral examination by the thesis committee.

All graduate students are required to complete the four core courses during the first year. In addition, students are required to complete four elective courses before graduation chosen from the list below of 600-level electives and 700-level seminars offered each semester. At least two out of the four courses must be 600-level.

Teaching Opportunities

 Since most biology Ph.D.’s will teach at some time during their careers, experience in teaching is considered an essential part of the Ph.D. program. The minimum teaching requirement is three contact hours a week for one year in the laboratory sections of undergraduate courses. Further teaching experience is gained through the preparation and presentation of reports in seminars and journal clubs. The department stresses organization of material and clarity of presentation.

• Letters of Recommendation (3),
• GRE,
• GRE Subject (strongly recommended),
• TOEFL/IELTS,
• Statement of Purpose,
• Transcripts

 Scholarships

The department has fellowship funds for the support of graduate students. Awards are granted for tuition and living expenses. Laboratory fees and research expenses are paid by the department.